As January 1 approaches, many are looking for fun and memorable ways to step into the New Year. Whether it be dancing, eating, hiking, laughing, or jumping into a cold swimming pool, the Tri-Cities has several options for those who want to shake off the past and start their year with an exclamation point:

Ring in 2014 in style at the Hilton Newark/Fremont! The New YearÕs Eve festivities include dinner, music and dancing with DJ Ryan Perez and live band Mirage, ballroom drop and champagne toast at midnight, New Year midnight breakfast buffet, and Revive Reception.

Put on by S J Event Productions, be ready for a delightful evening with live professional performers at NewarkÕs Chandni Restaurant. Resolutions! is the only party where you will learn how to Flamenco and Belly Dance in one night!

Enjoy a fully stocked open bar with unlimited premium drinks and dance the night away to the beats of DJ Shem at MilpitasÕ India Community Center. A sumptuous Indian dinner buffet will be catered by Amber India. Great entertainment, party tiaras, hats, and noisemakers for all. Special kids area with magic show.

Come out and laugh with Made Up Theatre with a special improv comedy show on New Year's Eve! In addition to the show, snacks and party favors will be provided to ticket holders free of charge. A raffle for awesome prizes will also be held! Audience members will get one raffle ticket upon entry. Plus we'll do a special Made Up Theatre toast and invite you to give your own personal toast!

This New YearÕs Eve, the R&B Legends Concert Series presents Bobby Brown! This will be the biggest New Year's Eve concert in the Bay Area. Don't miss this up close and intimate concert of non-stop Bobby Brown hits! There will be live comedy from some of the best local comedians before the king of R&B takes the stage.

ME Lounge and Bay VIP presents 2013 New Years Eve Party. Bring in 2014 at one of the Bay Area Hottest spots dancing to your favorite Old School Soul and R&B hits. This party is for the grown and sexy, 30+. Party host for the night will be Bay Area own J-Red. General admission and dinner packages available. Group pricing is available. Purchase four or more tickets and receive complimentary bottle of champagne or wine. Seats are limited.

Start the year off right with an inspiring visit to a monarch butterfly over-wintering site. Discover the amazing migration of these tiny creatures and how they survive the long cold season in ArdenwoodÕs eucalyptus trees. Use spotting scopes to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal. Meet at the Granary.

Find out about Ohlone peoples today (morning) and Central California Indian basketry (afternoon) through rarely known and shown films, introduced, described, and discussed within their full cultural context and meaning.

Ring in the New Year with a dip in the unheated outdoor swimming pool at the Castro Valley Swim Center. All registrants will receive a T-shirt, certificate, and warm refreshments. This is a fundraiser to raise funds for Swim Lesson Scholarships. Register at www.haywardrec.org, course # 25706.